Step 4: Self-Contained classroom Setup

4 – Define Communication needs

Action Steps:

Step 4: Communication

  • Make a list of the various communication needs of your students.
  • Do you have all the necessary images, devices, and skills to communicate with them?
    • If not, reach out to your related services to get support.
    • If you need assistance with sign language, I’ve learned so much from lifeprint.com
  • Also in this section, I brainstorm how I’ll communicate with:
    • inclusion teachers (setup conferencing times)
    • parents (daily folder, daily email/google form/dojo)
    • support staff (debrief away from students, documentation of incidents)
Make opportunities for communication available everywhere and model it!


The left image is a communication board with wants and needs images velcroed and a sentence strip at the bottom that says I want a drink, please. The middle image is a photo request to play tag and lastly a go talk 4+ AAC communication device with the four options yes, no, more, all done.

Make opportunities for communication available everywhere and model it!

Download the editable PDF here!





Back to Step 3: Visuals

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